Astana, Kazakhstan, May 24, 2026: Kazakhstan Olympians and elite athletes visited schools across the country last week as part of an educational initiative organised by the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan together with the National Scientific and Practical Centre of Physical Culture under the Ministry of Education.
Held in celebration of Olympic Day, the initiative gave students the opportunity to meet national team athletes and hear personal stories about discipline, perseverance and life in elite sport.
Students also learned about the history of the Olympic Movement and Kazakhstan’s Olympic achievements through a presentation prepared by the Kazakhstan NOC.
In Astana, world boxing champion Valentina Khalzova met with students at School-Lyceum No. 59 named after Karim Mynbayev, where she spoke about preparing for major international competitions and the importance of mental resilience.
“Sport is not only about medals and competition. It is about daily work, discipline and learning how to overcome difficult moments," Khalzova said.
In Almaty, Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist in shooting Alexandra Le visited Gymnasium No. 15, while biathletes Asset Dyussenov and Aisha Rakisheva, participants at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, met with students at Gymnasium No. 159 to discuss training and preparation in winter sports.
In Shymkent, freestyle aerial skiers Sherzod Khashirbayev and junior world champion Assan Assylkhan led sessions at School-Lyceum No.23 and Secondary School No. 144, sharing stories about pressure, responsibility, and overcoming fear early in their careers.
The initiative forms part of the Kazakhstan NOC’s ongoing efforts to promote Olympic values and inspire young people through direct engagements with leading athletes.
